Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Crockpot Mac And Cheese Recipe! This creamy, cheesy dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for satisfying cravings. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this mac and cheese will be a hit!
Ingredients
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the cooking time is about 2-3 hours on low.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 18g
– Fat: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by greasing the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine the elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the cheese mixture into the crockpot.
5. Add the macaroni mixture on top of the cheese mixture.
6. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
7. Set the crockpot to low heat and cover.
8. Cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
9. Once cooked, stir well to ensure everything is creamy and combined.
10. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Additionally, feel free to use different cheese varieties like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or BBQ ribs for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta before adding to the crockpot; it should be slightly undercooked.
- Be careful not to use low-fat dairy products, as they may not melt as well.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Don’t skip the heavy cream; it adds essential creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting the dish.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein.
- Incorporate vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Use a combination of sharp and mild cheese for depth of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
While using pre-cooked pasta is possible, it may become too mushy when cooked in the crockpot. It’s best to use uncooked pasta for optimal texture.
How can I make it spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture before cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and layer them in the crockpot the night before, then cook it in the morning.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop by cooking it in a large pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is melted and creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this mac and cheese can be frozen. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it properly before reheating.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Mac And Cheese Recipe is the perfect solution for a hearty meal with minimal effort. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the comforting goodness that this dish brings!
Crockpot Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the cheese mixture into the crockpot.
- Add the macaroni mixture on top of the cheese mixture.
- Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Set the crockpot to low heat and cover.
- Cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
- Once cooked, stir well to ensure everything is creamy and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
